Review Details

Darien Jacket

Product Review (submitted on April 12, 2012):

After using several other riding suits that I became discontented with for one reason or another, I bought a Darien jacket and pants about five years ago. The jacket is a size L from just before the switch to numerical sizing, and fits me decently at 6'2"' 180lbs.

I have worn the Darien jacket as my main riding garb almost daily in every kind of weather imaginable. I have never gotten wet in it even in biblically proportioned rainstorms. I have found it tolerable in 90+ temps, and with layers in sub-30 temps with layers. The pockets are useful and sensible, without a lot of excessive flaps, Velcro, or other frippery. I have been fortunate enough not to crash-test it, but it seems to hold up well for many who have.

After five years, the only appreciable wear is a few abraded spots on the Gore-tex laminate, but this does not seem to affect water resistance. Also, there is a layer of perma-crud that won't completely come out in its annual wash and rewaterproofing.

Although it is expensive, I would have saved myself some cash if I had bought it earlier instead of those other riding suits d'jour. If it ever wears out, I will probably get another.